Chicago Bears: 5 bold predictions going into training camp

Bold prediction number five: Tarik Cohen will be more valuable to the offense than Jordan Howard

When Nagy was hired, the growing popular belief was that Jordan Howard was expendable because he’s not the ideal fit in this offense. It’s no secret that Howard’s receiving ability is below-average, to say the least. There were more than a few occasions where after he caught the ball, he struggled to turn upfield and gain yards after the catch.

Back with the Kansas City Chiefs, Nagy had multiple running backs that excelled in receiving. The most notable one was rookie Kareem Hunt, who had 53 receptions for 455 yards and three touchdowns. These numbers double what Howard did in two years with the Bears in that department.

In this West Coast spread offense, the running backs have to be effective as pass catchers. It eliminates predictability in playing calling where any running back you put out there can effectively do both. A player that has that ability is Cohen.

Cohen shouldn’t be confused with a workhorse running back, but should be able to spell Howard 10-to-15 carries a game; all this while continuing to establish himself as a dangerous receiver out of the backfield. I expect Cohen to breakout in his second season as a dangerous multi-purpose back. You will likely see him on the field in more critical situations than Howard because of his skill-set.